Computer security software company F-Secure today announced a new Facebook app: F-Secure ShareSafe. The app, currently in beta, is designed to protect you against spam and malicious links that appear on your News Feed, as well as from those posted by you and others on your Wall.

F-Secure says ShareSafe uses patent-pending technology for detecting spam and malicious posts on Facebook. It is designed to stop people from spreading links to malicious websites.

ShareSafe is different than other similar security apps on Facebook in that it tries to incorporate ideas from social games on Facebook to turn safe sharing into a "fun activity" by rewarding users for sharing safe content.

You can earn points and badges every time you scan and share a link with ShareSafe, and when others Like or click your links. Points can currently be redeemed for free licenses of F-Secure Internet Security, F-Secure Online Backup, and F-Secure Mobile Security. More rewards will be added in the future.

Because ShareSafe is still in development, F-Secure is offering the beta version for free so it can get feedback to improve the app. The company did not say if it plans to charge for the app later, but doing so would probably not be very wise given that Facebook apps are free.

"Facebook's popularity has made it a major target for online criminals who are posting malicious links to lure visitors to websites that spread viruses, scams, and spam," an F-Secure spokesperson said in a statement. "Until now, there has been no way of knowing whether a Facebook link goes to a legitimate website or to something that has been set up by the criminals."

"Facebook is a global phenomenon and its dramatic growth during the last couple of years has significantly changed how people share information with their friends and family," Sean Sullivan, Security Advisor from F-Secure, said in a statement. "People now share via social media more than by any other method. Online criminals and tricksters are exploiting this to make money from spam, scams and malware. ShareSafe is a fun application that also provides a useful service for family and friends, making Facebook a safer place for everyone."